Aftermarket Security/Remote Start System

[Savage_383]

Has anyone else looked into an aftermarket alarm system such as a Viper system?

Since the 6 speed doesn't have remote start, I was looking at that as an option.

 

[Sonic Boomer]

Has anyone else looked into an aftermarket alarm system such as a Viper system?

Since the 6 speed doesn't have remote start, I was looking at that as an option.

I investigated doing that about 10 years ago (when I lived in western NC), so this may be worthless information today.

At that time, none of the local shops would touch installation of an aftermarket remote start. They had done several, but they all were problematic resulting in both frustrated mechanics and frustrated customers. These were good shops that were willing to learn new things, but they did not specialize in security/start systems.

In any case, unless others chime in with more current information to the contrary, I'd suggest you find the installer before you buy the unit. Make sure they have successfully installed many units and ask what type of assurance they give that it will work properly.

As a DIY project, I wouldn't touch it - but maybe today's units are easy installs.

 

[Savage_383]

I investigated doing that about 10 years ago (when I lived in western NC), so this may be worthless information today.

At that time, none of the local shops would touch installation of an aftermarket remote start. They had done several, but they all were problematic resulting in both frustrated mechanics and frustrated customers. These were good shops that were willing to learn new things, but they did not specialize in security/start systems.

In any case, unless others chime in with more current information to the contrary, I'd suggest you find the installer before you buy the unit. Make sure they have successfully installed many units and ask what type of assurance they give that it will work properly.

As a DIY project, I wouldn't touch it - but maybe today's units are easy installs.

In my research over lunch, I read that some cars need an "adapter module" to integrate with the existing system that could cost more. So I wasn't sure if anyone had talked to an installer about this.

I agree that some of the older systems were poop. Hopefully they have improved.

 

[MicroEngineer]

Let me chime in. Before I finished college I used to install car stereos, remote start systems, and more. Later I had a freelance 2nd job doing the same around Atlanta.

"They had done several, but they all were problematic resulting in both frustrated mechanics and frustrated customers."

This kind of stuff and the things I've heard where people say "I just took it out it was too much trouble" or when shops claim the car is the problem 99% of the time is because the installers don't know what they're doing. Normally it is not a problem with many vehicles, however there are caveats on modern vehicles.

I don't recall if the Sonic does, but at the minimum the installation requires specialty components like the RF transponder key bypass modules and in some cases CAN bus interface modules to interact with the the ECM, etc. for door locks, start, blah blah blah.

A lot of vehicles either won't crank or will kill the motor if the RF chip in the key isn't read correctly (or not present at all). Sometimes this is solved using an aftermarket module. In some cases this requires giving up a duplicate key in order to make it work.

Obviously a Mercedes is going to be much more complex than a Sonic, but there is usually a way. I would not anticipate any real issues with the Sonic or Cruze. Just that you need to be aware that there are additional expenses and it is REALLY important to deal with someone who knows what they're doing.

(Cars often have interfaces like +5V lines, the in-car networks like LIN or CAN, etc. Shadetree installers will butcher your car & burn out electronics trying to get it to work).


PS: The good alarms (name brand) have always been pretty good, and remote start systems often offer an optional turbo timer to let the engine run after switching off the ignition to let the turbo cool down after a hard run.

 

[MicroEngineer]

"Car ******* is a successful scheme. Most people think remote start and remote keyless entry systems are as handy as they are secure. Think again, because they are easier to get around than most would understand."

I would argue that this not necessarily even the real concern.

If someone wants to steal your car or motorcycle, they'll find away. That includes hauling it away on a flatbed. It happens!

But usually its something like someone breaking out a rear 1/4 window and stealing your amp & speakers, purse or bag, etc.

The security system if installed right & with the right accessories can definitely serve as a deterrent and hopefully give you a "heads up" that someone or something is disturbing your vehicle. There's never any guarantee 100% of protection with alarm system.

Get a decent alarm, not the generic ones on eBay.

 

[sonic007]

Yes, you can install aftermarket security and remote start. Ive done a few sonics with both.

You do need whats called an immobilizer to make the engine start without the key. I would get one that does the door locks as well. If the immobilizer is programmed correctly it will do almost everything for you. They are called combo modules. You can get the info from Flashlogic - Home or XpressKit.com - Interfacing the Past, Present and Future..

We sell and install Viper systems. They are the best ive seen and aren't too difficult to install. I would very very strongly reccommend getting either one professionally installed.

Ive done many cars with manual transmissions. You just need to know how to bypass it or what modules to use.

 

[sonic007]

The viper security systems come with built in shock sensors that wil go off if someone hits the car. They also have door trigger sensors for if someone opens any of the doors.

They also have starter kill relays that disable the starter when the alarm is active.

You can add on other sensors like proximity sensor, glass break sensor, or additional shock sensors.

 

[MicroEngineer]

You won't necessarily have to have a module for door lock control.

 

[sonic007]

You won't necessarily have to have a module for door lock control.

No i didnt say you HAVE to have it. It makes life a wholee lot easier when it comes to install though. Its called data to data on these new modules. Works like a champ on most cars. You could do it the old fashion way. But its gonna take 3 times longer.

 

[MicroEngineer]

"Data to data" as you are referring to are LIN or CAN bus interface modules.

As an example door lock controls with active-low ("negative" or ground) inputs, the wiring is quite simple; on others, yes it can be quite a bit of work.

But of course it depends on the vehicle and what one is willing to spend in terms of time/effort vs. convenience.

My intention is to let the original poster know their options.

 

[sonic007]

Right. I was only mentioning those combo modules that do everything themselves as an option if they want remote start, security and such. Just trying to make life easier on whoever installs them because they are not easy.